Definition

1. Noun:

   • A grouping of a number of similar things that are close together.
   • A small, close group of people or things.

2. Verb (intransitive and transitive):

   • To come or bring together into a small, close group.

Examples

• Noun:

  • The data points formed a distinct cluster on the graph.
  • A cluster of stars is visible in the night sky.
  • She was surrounded by a cluster of reporters.

• Verb:

  • The students began to cluster around the teacher. (intransitive)
  • The town's cafes are clustered along the main street. (intransitive)
  • Please cluster the related ideas together on the whiteboard. (transitive)

Advanced Usage

• In computing: A group of linked computers that work together as a single system.

  • The server farm uses a high-performance computing cluster.

• In statistics: A group of data points with similar values.

  • The algorithm identified three main customer clusters.

• In astronomy: A group of stars or galaxies held together by gravity.

  • The Pleiades is an open star cluster.

Variants and Related Words

• Clustered (adjective): Grouped together.

  • The clustered houses gave the village a cozy feel.

• Clustering (noun): The act or result of forming clusters.

  • The clustering of symptoms helped with the diagnosis.

Synonyms

• Noun: Bunch, group, clump, collection, knot.
• Verb: Gather, collect, congregate, bunch, flock.

Phrasal Verbs / Common Combinations

• Cluster around: To gather closely around someone or something.

  • Fans clustered around the actor for autographs.

• Cluster together: To group things or people in one place.

  • The houses were clustered together for protection from the wind.

Related Idioms

• A cluster of [something]: This is the standard idiomatic pattern, not a unique idiom. It describes a natural or formed group.
  • The investigation revealed a cluster of errors in the report.

Noun

1. a grouping of a number of similar things
   • a bunch of trees
   • a cluster of admirers

Verb

1. gather or cause to gather into a cluster
   • She bunched her fingers into a fist
2. come together as in a cluster or flock
   • The poets constellate in this town every summer